Low Back Pain

Low back pain can manifest as anything from a simple twinge after lifting awkwardly to full blown spasm or the severity of a disc herniation.

Muscle spasm cause sudden acute pain and reduced mobility, whereas, inflammation of ligaments and joints can be sudden or as a result of long term irritation. The worst case scenario is disc damage. Commonly known as the “slipped disc” there are 4 degrees of damage, starting with inflammation of the outer disc, to a mild bulge, severe bulge and full herniation. In all cases there is varying degrees of pressure on the Sciatic nerve, causing pain to radiate down the back of the leg.

A common misconception of low back pain is it due to poor lifting technique or lifting a heavy object. In many cases a simple episode can causes the pain, i.e. putting on socks. An underlying cause is usually the reason behind the pain, a lack of core strength or poor ergonomics being just two examples. In some cases, the pain may not be felt in the back. Groin, hip and knee pain can have their origins in the low back, which is why it is essential to have a thorough case history and physical examination to locate the source of the problem.

During your consultation, a variety of tests diagnose exactly where the pain originates from and the reasons behind it. Treatment will get to work on the immediate symptoms and advice given to prevent the injury returning.